After launching a pictorial biography of the late Sher Mohamed Allah Baksh, Mahathir was cornered by reporters to comment on several issues.

He was asked to comment on Kota Belud MP Abdul Rahman Dahlan’s statement that he was approached to cross over to opposition party PKR.

The Umno Youth executive secretary alleged that he was offered a huge sum which can ensure “two or three future generations” of his family would enjoy an easy life.

'They want positions, all of them'

Mahathir curtly replied: “Everybody is obsessed with money. When they have money they can jump into any boat.

“All of them dare not speak up because of money. They want positions, all of them,” he said.

Another reporter also asked the former premier for his views on DAP chairperson Karpal Singh’s refusal to retract his statement in questioning Sultan of Perak Sultan Azlan Shah’s jurisdiction over the transfer of state Religious Department director Jamry Sury by Menteri Besar Mohammad Nizar Jamaluddin.

“This is what happens when the government is weak. The people don’t respect them anymore,” he said briefly before being ushered out of the hall by his aides.

The prime minister of 22 years has been critical of the current leadership after several monumental projects under his administration were stopped by Abdullah.

Mahathir has also openly voiced his preference towards Najib to take over Umno and government after the 12th general election.

But Abdullah has vowed to continue as prime minister despite calls from numerous quarters for him to step down.

In recent weeks, Mahathir appeared to have been disappointed with Najib for standing by Abdullah.

Mahathir subsequently called Najib a "coward" and at the same time he stepped up his attack on Abdullah, his hand-picked successor.